Essences of Iran: From the Caspian Sea to Persepolis end Kerman

Welcome to Iran! Transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon (variable schedule based on arrival flights), we will begin the visit to TEHRAN, the capital of the country, a modern city with almost ten million inhabitants. We enter the Tajrish Bazar, a small and active bazaar full of activity and life. Inside we visit the Imamzadeh Saleh Sanctuary, one of the most popular Shiite shrines in Iran, magnificent blue architecture, dedicated to a descendant of the prophet. Tehran is on the slope of the Alborz Mountain range, some peaks exceed 5000 meters, and at its foot - on the edge of Tehran - is DARBAND VILLAGE, with its mountain atmosphere, its waterfalls, its green paths, its numerous Tea houses and its restaurants. Dinner included.Note: If the arrival time of your flight is after 5 p.m., you will not be able to attend the activities planned for this day.

We include a visit (with guide and tickets included) to the great metropolis. We begin by going to the 437 meters high MILAD TOWER, its views are impressive (if it´s a foggy day with low visibility, instead of the Milad Tower we will go to the Azadi Tower). We visit the National Museum, the largest historical and archaeological museum in the country, where we can learn more about this land, the cradle of civilizations. Afterwards, we visit the Golestan Palace, declared a world heritage site by UNESCO, a site of palaces and gardens which construction began in the 16th century. Lunch included. In the afternoon, we will visit the National Jewelry Museum, property of the central bank, an amazing collection of precious stones and metals, highlighting the “peacock throne” and the “earth globe”. Free time; we will drop you off in the Grand Bazaar area, with its many covered streets, alleys and hundreds of shops.Note: Sometimes the jewelry museum is not open, in that case, we would visit the carpet museum that shows Persian carpets, some from the 16th century.

After breakfast we leave for the west of Iran, a magnificent highway takes us to QAZVIN in about two hours. We are in one of the oldest cities in Iran, it is also known as "Little Isfahan" due to the similar structures built by the Safavid kings in both cities. It is also considered the capital of Iranian calligraphy. During our visit, we will visit the Atiq Mosque - one of the oldest mosques in Iran -, we will visit the Aminiha House - a luxurious 19th century home - and the Chehel Sotoun Palace (the calligraphy museum is located here) - with its beautiful gardens, the monumental Ali Qapu Gate, in the Mausoleum of Hamdollah Mostofi geographer and historian of the 14th century and the magnificently restored ancient Caravanserai. Lunch included. In the afternoon we continue our route, we cross the mountain range that separates the interior of Iran with the Caspian Sea, mountains, forests, green landscapes take us to RASHT, arrival at the end of the day to the largest Iranian city in the Caspian area. Afterwards, we have time for a stroll through its traditional bazaar and the Mohtasham garden (the city park).

We continue our tour in the Caspian region, BANDAR ANZALI is a port city (24 meters below sea level - the Caspian is actually an inland lake -, we visit the Russian bazaar and we will include a boat ride through the Anzali lagoon inhabited by numerous birds. Afterwards, we cross again the mountain range with its beautiful green landscapes and large forests so different from other regions of Iran. Lunch included. We stop at THE CRYSTAL HANGING BRIDGE in Hir, a very popular excursion place for Iranians; we will enjoy the landscapes of this place. At the end of the afternoon, we arrive at SAR-EYN, a thermal city very close to Arabil, a lively touristic place full shops and restaurants. Do you dare to bathe in one of the pools? Hot Springs?

After breakfast, we will leave to ARDABIL, an Iranian city of Azeri culture very close to the border with Azerbaijan. We visit here the Mausoleum of Sheikh Safi al-Din: This historical site houses the tomb of the religious leader and Sufi poet, Sheikh Safi al-Din. It is an important pilgrimage site and an impressive example of Islamic architecture, declared a World Heritage Site. We also visit the anthropology museum, with its traditional bath. Later we have some time in its beautiful covered bazaar and city center. Lunch included. After lunch we travel to TABRIZ, arriving at the end of the afternoon to the most important city in eastern Iran, capital of the eastern Azerbaijan region, located in a fertile valley, due to its location it has had influence and has been inhabited by people from all over the world. Middle East (Armenians, Azeri’s, Georgians, Kurds, Persians, Turks, Arabs...); the majority of its population is Azeri speaking. At night, we will walk through EL-GOLI PARK, a pleasant park with a large lagoon in the center surrounded by small restaurants -dinner included.

We visit TABRIZ, a city with just over one and a half million inhabitants. We will visit the blue mosque, built in the 15th century but badly damaged in an earthquake; we will visit the Azerbaijan museum where we will learn about its collections from different periods. We will also pass in front of the mausoleum of the poets, where we learn about the rich cultural heritage in poetry that Iran and Arg-e-Alishah have - remains of the great fortress and walls that the city had. At the end of the morning we will leave the city, a little less than an hour away KANDOVAN, a very picturesque mountain town, for more than 800 years its inhabitants have resided in troglodyte homes, it reminds us of the Cappadocia region in Turkey. Lunch included. In the afternoon we return to TABRIZ, you will have plenty of free time to visit the BAZAAR, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the largest covered bazaar in the world, important for centuries because it is located on the Silk Road (cited by Marco Polo and Ibn Batuta), the carpet area stands out.

After breakfast, just over two hours separate us from JOLFA, a small city on the border with Azerbaijan, historically inhabited by Armenians. We will visit the SAINT STEPANOS MONASTERY, an Armenian monastery declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, built in the 9th century (rebuilt after an earthquake in the 17th century). We also visit the Choopan chapel, walled under ocher mountains, and also a world heritage site, the Khaje Nazar Caravanserai, lunch included. A time for a walk next to the very pleasant Ruined Mill waterfalls. Free time.

We travel south through Iranian Azerbaijan. We will stop in KHOY, a city that houses the tomb of Shams Tabrizi, a 13th century Persian mystic, poet and philosopher. We continue our trip to URMIA, in this city inhabited over 4000 years ago, legend says that Zoroaster was born here and that one of the wise men was buried here. The city located near the largest lake in Iran, with salt water and presenting vivid contrasts in its colors. We visit Urmia, a city known for its religious and ethnic diversity, home to a significant population of Christians, Orthodox, Chaldeans and the Assyrian community. We will visit some of its churches: Naneh Maryam Church was built in the 3rd century, being the oldest Christian temple in Asia. We also visit Maserkis church and Seh Gombad, a cylindrical tower from the 12th century and the Friday mosque.

We continue our route towards the south, near the city of Naghade, we visit the archaeological site of TEPE HASANLOO, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, and the remains of this ancient citadel date back to 7000b.C.. A fabulous gold vase with reliefs of chariots and soldiers dating back almost 3,000 years was discovered here (now in a museum in Tehran). We continue towards the SAHOLAN CAVE, we visit it by boat since most of its surface is covered with water. Lunch included.We continue through Kurdistan Iran, we will arrive at its capital SANANDAJ mid-afternoon, free time to walk around the city. Dinner included.

After breakfast we continue our route, about two and a half hours of distance take us to one of the oldest cities in the world: HAMADAN, today a pleasant provincial capital of more than half a million inhabitants, located at almost two thousand meters high. A cooler climate than other regions. We begin our visit in GANJNAMEH, five kilometers from the city, at the foot of a large mountain, this place is historical and recreational, in a beautiful landscape among trees, rocks, a river and a waterfall we can see the ancient cuneiform inscriptions from the 5th century b.C. engraved in rock. Time for a walk by the waterfall. We include (sometimes closed for weather or other reasons) the cable car that takes us up to the mountain where we have a magnificent view (in winter it is often snowy). Lunch included. After lunch, we visit the museum of the war with Iraq, a monumental and magnificent museum that exposes the Iranian vision of the war with Iraq. We cannot help but wish for peace on our planet. After that, we visit the archaeological site of Hegmataneh, remains and a museum about the city that existed at this point 2800 years ago. Already in the center of the city we visit the Mausoleum-museum of Avicenna, this Persian genius, doctor, philosopher, astronomer and scientist who wrote almost 300 books is buried here, his contributions in medicine stand out, the novel tells us about this wise man/ movie “the doctor”. We will also pass by the place where the tomb of Baba Taher (11th century poet) is located and the garden square where a large statue of a Lion made in the time of Alexander the Great is located. During the visit (if we can) we will visit one of the places where Pahlevani/zoorkhaneh rituals are celebrated, a tradition of martial arts and athletics with which Persian warriors trained, these rituals have been declared intangible heritage of humanity, many of them instruments appear similar to those existing in current gyms.Free time to walk through the bazaar.

After breakfast we depart for QOM, the provincial capital and one of the holiest Shiite religious centers in the Islamic world that houses the mausoleum of Fatima Masuma, sister of the eighth Shiite Imam, Imam Reza. Tens of thousands of pilgrims visit Qom every year. Qom is known for being a major center of Shia Islamic studies and is home to numerous religious schools and seminaries, as well as Al-Mustafa Islamic University, which attracts students from all over the world. Accompanied by an Islamic scholar we will visit the sacred mausoleum (courtyards and outdoor areas) and they will introduce us to Islam in its Shiite branch, enveloping us in the atmosphere of this holy place. After that, we´ll visit Imam Khomeini´s house. Free time in the city´s bazaar, with its many shops specializing in prayer and religious objects. Lunch included.In the afternoon we continue to Kashan making a stop, before entering the city, at the Fin Garden, wonderful gardens dating back to the sixteenth century, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, in an area of thermal springs and surrounded by a wall. We´ll stroll through the gardens, the palace and the baths. We continue to KASHAN, a pleasant city whose historic center, with numerous monuments and historic adobe houses, are of great beauty. Free time in the historic center, with a lively tourist life.

In the morning we begin the visit of Kashan, where we visit the Agha Bozorg mosque/madrasa, a beautiful and original construction. The ground floor is occupied by the madrasa and the upper floor by the great mosque that reminds us of the constructions made by the Persians in India. The center of Kashan has several ancient houses/palaces; We will visit one of them, the Boroujerdi house-museum, from the nineteenth century, where we will be amazed by its mural paintings, in which the rich merchant who built it wanted to show the places he had visited, and the ventilation system to give freshness to the palace in the summer. We will also enter the hammam "soltan bath", with its blue tiles it is one of the most beautiful historical baths in Iran. Flower drinks are typical in Kashan, so to get to know them, we will visit one of the factories-shops of these unique flower drinks, see how they are made and have a delicious tasting.After that, we head to the outskirts of the city where the great archaeological site of TAPPEH SIALK is located. We will be impressed to learn that there existed here a civilization, the Elamite, highly developed 7,500 years ago, one of the first of humanity.We continue to NOUSH ABAD, where the "underground city" is located, a complex of tunnels and galleries built more than 1500 years ago to protect against invasions. Our route continues south, making a stop at ABOUZEYDABAD, an old restored caravanserai very close to desert dunes. Traditional lunch included. In the afternoon, among the mountains, we visit ABYANEH, one of the most charming villages in Iran, in a valley 2500 meters above sea level. Its cool climate, red clay houses, its own cultural traditions (including an ancient dialect and traditional dress) and its mausoleum will leave us with very pleasant memories.Arrival at ISFAHAN at the end of the day. We are in a city with an impressive architectural and cultural heritage: mosques, palaces, bridges and bazaars with delicious handicrafts. This city, inhabited for more than 5000 years, was the capital of the Persian Empire. Upon arrival, we´ll take a walk across the historic Si-O-Se Pol Bridge, "the bridge of thirty-three arches" illuminated.

After breakfast we begin the visit of ISFAHAN, the main tourist destination of Iran, the third city of the country. We start by walking through the Armenian quarter; This community has lived here for centuries and has always been respected. We walk through its quiet streets and visit the cathedral (Kelisa-ye Vank), a small museum that allows us to learn about Armenian culture and history. We also visit the 17th century Bethlehem Church with its impressive frescoes. Afterwards we head to the historic center, making a first stop at the Jame Mosque, the largest mosque in Iran that still celebrates worship and we get emotional in its immense courtyard when we hear the call to prayer. This mosque has been declared a World Heritage Site. We continue to the main square of the city, Naghsh Jahan, one of the largest public squares in the world with more than half a kilometer in length, declared a World Heritage Site, and where the "three powers" are located: the political, with the Ali Qapu Palace that we will enter to see its view over the square; the commercial, with probably the best bazaar in Iran to buy handicrafts; and the religious one, with two mosques in the square. We visit the Imam Mosque, built 400 years ago with its various sections and blue tiles. Inside the venue, we meet with an imam who will talk to us about Islam and will be able to guide us in our doubts. Lunch included. In the afternoon, we visit the Chehel Sotun Palace, with its fountains, gardens, paintings and public bath. We also include the entrance to the Museum of Music, a small museum that shows us how Persia was the cradle of many of the instruments that are played today and we will attend a small concert of traditional Persian music to discover the great beauty of Iranian music. Free time at the bazaar.

After breakfast, we continue south, through arid landscapes. We make a stop in IZADKHAST, a small town with mud-brick architecture, with its old quarter, its ruined castle and its caravanserai. We continue to QALAT, in the mountains, a charming town with stone houses, where a Christian community lives; we will visit its small church and have lunch (included). Arrival in SHIRAZ in the middle of the afternoon. We are at the center of Persian culture, inhabited for more than 4000 years. A city of nightingales and poets, it was the capital of Persia in the 18th century. In the afternoon we will visit 2 of the mausoleums of the great names of Persian literature born in Shiraz, the gardens and the mausoleum of Hafez of Shiraz, a Sufi poet and mystic of the fourteenth century and who today is still one of the most beloved figures by the Iranian people, who memorize his verses or seek advice in his texts and the gardens and mausoleum of Saadi, another great Persian poet of the medieval period of deep sensitivity.

After breakfast, we will leave Shiraz to visit, 60 km away, the most impressive archaeological site in Iran: PERSEPOLIS. This World Heritage Site was built 2700 years ago to be the capital of the Achaemenid empire. Its stone palaces, its carvings showing historical and ritual scenes, as well as details about the kings and the court, show us one of the first great cultures of humanity. Nearby we will visit Naghsh Rostam, the cemetery of the emperors with their tombs in the stone. After the visit, we´ll return to Shiraz, where we´ll visit the Nasir Almolk Mosque (Pink Mosque) to admire the light filtering through the colorful stained glass windows, the Naranjestan Qavam Garden, and the Zandyeh compound, which includes the Vakil Bazaar, Saray-e Moshir, Vakil Mosque, Vakil Bath, and Karim Khan Citadel.We will return to the hotel for a short break and before heading out for dinner with a local family in their home (Note: if there is a case this is not possible, a dinner in a restaurant with live music will be included).

We head towards the east of the country, mountains, agricultural areas and deserts on our route. We will visit PASARGAD, another impressive archaeological site declared a World Heritage Site, built 2600 years ago, where the mausoleum of Cyrus the Great is located. We will continue to MEYMAND, a stunning troglodyte village in the desert, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Meymand is believed to have been one of the oldest residences in Iran, dating back 12,000 years. Many of the inhabitants live in the 350 houses carved by hand among the rocks. Lunch included. After lunch we continue our route to RAFSANJAN, a small town in the desert whose history dates back thousands of years and which today is one of the largest pistachio production centers in the world. We will be able to see its beautiful "wind towers" that help keep homes cool since ancient times.

We continue our route through deserts to MAHAN, a quiet town famous for the mausoleum of a well-known dervish, mystic and poet of the 15th century. Later we will visit BAGH SHAZDEH, a beautiful garden with springs and green trees in the middle of the desert declared a World Heritage Site. Arrival in the provincial capital of KERMAN. We are in a religious and conservative city that also has a Zoroastrian minority. We visit the Ganjali Khan enclosure, where the magnificent bazaar, the cistern and the old baths and caravanserai are located. Lunch included. In the afternoon, we´ll visit the Fathabad Garden, a historic garden in the middle of the desert on the outskirts of Kerman.

Today we include a flight to Tehran. Schedules are subject to frequent modifications and will be informed at the time of booking (at the time of preparation of this itinerary, the flight is scheduled to depart at 08:30 hrs). Flight of just over an hour. Arrival at TEHRAN airport.